NHS Forth Valley is giving a cautious welcome to a 3.3 per cent increase in funding.

All health boards are to share £9.1 billion in revenue funding in 2013-14, with area health boards being given a general allocation increase of £256 million for 2013-14.

NHS Forth Valley will receive an initial allocation of £434.2 million, an uplift of 3.8 per cent and one of the highest percentage increases and a 1.3 per cent real terms increase above inflation.

Funding for area health boards will increase by a further 3.1 per cent in 2014-15, again a real terms increase.

Over £525 million will also be invested in improving NHS buildings and equipment.

This includes £105 million transferring from the revenue to capital budget, as part of a Scottish Government’s bid to boost economic activity.

Stirling MSP Bruce Crawford said: “The Scottish Government is committed to protecting spending on health, and this announcement reflects this, with NHS Forth Valley receiving an increase of 3.8 per cent.

“Despite a difficult economic climate, it is important we continue to invest in our NHS – that is why we have protected health spending so we can continue to deliver a first class service to patients across the country.

“However, despite protected budgets, it is right the NHS is as efficient as possible with taxpayer’s money which is why all health boards are making efficiency savings in excess of three per cent, which will be reinvested in frontline services.”

An NHS Forth Valley spokesperson said: “Any increase in Scottish Government funding is to be welcomed.

“However, like many other NHS Boards and public sector organisations across the country, NHS Forth Valley continues to face significant financial challenges.

“These include increasing demand from an ageing population and advances in technology.”